By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

A prominent local developer and an Erie County legislator are teaming up to build a Cheektowaga apartment complex just east of Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Pat Cipolla, founder and president of the Bella Vista Group, and Erie County Legislator Dino Fudoli, R-Lancaster, have submitted plans to Cheektowaga officials, seeking approval for an 84-unit apartment complex at 4989 Genesee Street, just beyond the airport and the Sky Harbor development complex.

The land is currently vacant.

According to plans submitted to the Town of Cheektowaga, the complex will feature a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units spread over several two-story buildings.

Cipolla declined further comment about the project.

The design is similar to the 88-unit Gateway Apartments that Bella Vista is developing at the northeast corner of Transit Road and William Street. The Gateway Apartments is under construction and due to welcome its first tenants later this fall.